A row over cultural differences got out of hand when Romanian teenager Michai-marinel Ursache threatened a group of Islamic men with a gas-powered air pistol in Cheltenham, a court heard on Friday.

Ursache, 19 of Victoria Street, Kilnhurst, near Rotherham, pleaded guilty to possessing a CO2 powered pistol intent to cause people to believe unlawful violence would be used. He also pleaded guilty to affray while in possession of an iron bar.

Mark Hollier, prosecuting, told the court that the defendant had been working at an Indian restaurant in Bath Road in Cheltenham. He finished work and sat with a group of friends when another man came over and got angry because the defendant was "drinking and being noisy".

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A period of shouting started before another man, who is still wanted under a warrant, produced a machete, said Mr Hollier.

At that point Ursache produced the imitation firearm, and both men ran out of the premises. Two 999 calls had been made from passers by so shortly after the men ran outside, armed officers attended and detained both men.

Mark Hollier said Ursache "was co-operativee and handed the pistol over immediately".

The barrister added: "He was arrested and searched and down his trousers was a silver metal pole.

"In interview the defendant said they were carrying the weapons in case they faced violence."

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"I accept the air pistol was not capable of firing a pellet but nonetheless it is designed to look like a really seriously firearm and, I have no doubt at all, that is why you took it out.

"Anyone in a public place frightening people like that immediately passes the custody threshold but in light of the circumstances and your previous good character I have come to the conclusion it is possible to impose a suspended sentence."

Ursache was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years. He was ordered to complete 10 days of rehabilitation activity requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work.